Man Utd Transfers: 10 Midfield Alternatives To Arturo Vidal

8. James McCarthy (Everton)

Looking a little closer to home, United were said to be pursuing James McCarthy last season after he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign on Merseyside. Sitting alongside the now permanently signed Gareth Barry in the Toffees' ranks last term, the Republic of Ireland international proved himself to be amongst the Premier League's leading central midfielders, playing extremely well over the course of the 34 Premier League games he appeared in last season. Whilst he might not be the big name supporters would like to see at Old Trafford, McCarthy has proven that he can live with the league's top players and even help to beat them, as he was instrumental in Everton's 3-0 win over Arsenal and their 2-0 over United towards the end of last season. Though not the finished article yet, McCarthy is on his way to developing into the complete midfielder, who is capable of carrying out defensive work and creating chances in equal measure.